PHOTOS: MS Dhoni explodes in warm-up game but India captaincy swansong ends in defeat

Mumbai, Jan 11: Mahendra Singh Dhoni did all he could with the willow but England still gatecrashed his party by three wickets, leaving a packed house made up of loyal fans more heartbroken than the home team dressing room, in his last match as leader of an Indian side.

Ind-Eng series schedule; Photos, video of fan touching Dhoni's feet

England gave themselves a much-needed boost by beating the Dhoni-led India A side in their first warm-up match ahead of the limited overs series.

Ambati Rayudu top-scored with a fine century, while Kuldeep Yadav returned a five-wicket haul but Dhoni was the cynosure of all eyes as he bludgeoned his way to an unbeaten 68 off 40 balls, albeit in a losing cause.

England had enough in reserves to edge out India A and deny Dhoni what would have been a fitting win in his captaincy swansong.

(When MS Dhoni became 'God of cricket' in Sachin Tendulkar's city)

Chinaman bowler Yadav sent England, who chased the home side's challenging score of 304 for five, scurrying for cover but Sam Billings made 93 to push the tourists close to the victory target in the first of two practice games.

(Yuvraj Singh interviews MS Dhoni, smiling duo admire each other)

Although Billings departed when 15 runs were needed, England completed the win in the 49th over when Chris Woakes (11 not out) struck Mohit Sharma for successive fours to take England to 307 for 7.

Here are the images from MS Dhoni's last match as India Captain:

Dhawan-Rayudu stitch crucial partnership for 1st wicket

India A's Shikhar Dhawan and Ambati Rayudu in action during a practice match against England at Brabourne stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Rayudu makes most of the opportunity

Ambati Rayudu celebrates his century during a practice match against England at Brabourne stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday.

MS Dhoni entertains jam packed stadium

India A skipper MS Dhoni plays a shot during a practice match against England at Brabourne stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday. The Dhoni 'special', helped the total breach the 300 mark, started off with an imperious flicked six over square leg that brought up the wicketkeeper's 50 off just 35 balls.

Emotional moment for Dhoni

A fan runs to touch skipper MS Dhoni's feet during his final match as captain of the Indian team at Brabourne stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday.

MS Dhoni leaves after the end of the innings

Dhoni finished the home team innings on a high note by smacking England's Woakes for 24 runs in the final over, carting the fast bowler for two sixes and as many fours.

Hardik Pandya starts as India A's strike bowler

All rounder Hardik Pandya bowling during a practice match against England at Brabourne stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Jos Buttler plays a shot

Jos Buttler plays a shot during the practice match against India A at Brabourne stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday. He scored 46.

Mohit Sharma attempts a catch

Mohit Sharma attempts to take a catch during the warm-up match against England at Brabourne stadium in Mumbai.

Alex Hales in action

Alex Hales plays a shot during the practice match against India A at Brabourne stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday. He scored 40.

Sam Billings plays a shot

Sam Billings in action during a practice match against India A at Brabourne stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday. Billings made 93 to push the tourists close to the victory target in the first of two practice games.